Sat, July 31: Depart on overnight flights from Indianapolis to Dublin, Ireland.

Sun, Aug 1: Arrive in Dublin, Ireland. Dive right into Celtic culture with a visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Learn of Irelands worldwide influence while experiencing what it means to be Irish, through the lens of emigration. Spend some free time for lunch on your own before checking in to the hotel for a three-night stay. Enjoy a welcome dinner complete with local fare. (Meals: Dinner)

Mon, Aug 2: After breakfast, an entertaining, narrated city tour with a local guide will take you through Dublin’s popular areas of Grafton & O’Connell Streets, and the colorful Temple Bar District. Along the way, hear stories of famous Dubliners whose legacies are woven through the city, such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and W. B. Yeats. Pass the Guiness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery which have left an imprint of their own on Irish culture! See St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church before a visit to County Kildare, the heart of the country’s thoroughbred industry. Visit the Irish National Stud & Gardens where magnificent horses and a rich racing tradition come together in a setting of exceptional natural beauty. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to the renowned J.P. Murtagh racing stables, where you’ll learn about the daily routines, training methods, and exceptional care that prepare elite Thoroughbreds for success on Ireland’s most prestigious racecourses. Return to Dublin  for a free evening to enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

Tue, Aug 3: Enjoy a day at leisure in Dublin, where historic landmarks, lively streets, and welcoming pubs invite you to explore at your own pace. Wander through charming neighborhoods, discover world-class museums and shops, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere of this dynamic and culturally rich destination. This evening, prepare to be entertained with an evening of fine Irish fare and award-winning music and dancing at one of Dublin’s favorite traditional venues, The Merry Ploughboy pub. (B,D)

Wed, Aug 4: Check out of the hotel this morning, but before departing Dublin, visit Trinity College to view the world-famous Book of Kells exhibition, one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures and a masterpiece of early medieval art. Then travel westward through Ireland’s ever-changing countryside, where rolling green landscapes and timeless villages set the scene for a day steeped in history and culture. Continue to the charming town of Sligo, located along the famous Wild Atlantic Way offering the perfect blend of rugged Atlantic scenery, literary heritage, and traditional Irish charm. You’re sure to encounter a slower pace that captures the essence of western Ireland. Check in to the hotel in Sligo for a two-night stay. (B)

Thu, Aug 5: Discover the wild beauty and rich heritage of Ireland’s northwest on a journey through Sligo’s most iconic sights. Step back in time at the elegant Lissadell House and Gardens, located on the shore of Drumcliff Bay and the childhood home of Constance Gore-Booth, a revolutionary leader in Ireland’s independence movement and the first woman elected to the British Parliament. Tour the historic mansion and gardens before a short drive takes you to a nearby working farm to meet the highly trained Border Collies who will impress you with a captivating sheepdog demonstration. Next, stop by the peaceful Drumcliffe Church, final resting place of renowned poet W. B. Yeats. End the day with dinner as a group. (B,D)

Fri, Aug 6: Depart the Republic of Ireland and cross into Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom.  Continue east to Belfast, a city where history, resilience, and maritime heritage come vividly to life.  Discover the award-winning Titanic Belfast experience, located on the very shipyard where the world’s most famous liner was built. Through immersive galleries, interactive exhibits, and compelling storytelling, follow Titanic’s remarkable journey from her construction in Belfast to her enduring place in history. The day concludes with an included dinner. (B,D)

Sat, Aug 7: Experience the dramatic beauty of Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline as you journey to the legendary Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped by ancient volcanic activity and steeped in Celtic folklore. Marvel at the remarkable basalt columns that stretch toward the Atlantic and hear the tales of the giant Finn McCool that have captivated visitors for generations. Visit the world-renowned Old Bushmills Distillery, where centuries of craftsmanship have produced one of Ireland’s most celebrated whiskeys. Enjoy lunch at The Fullerton Arms, a traditional Irish pub in the coastal village of Ballintoy, and famous among Game of Thrones fans as it features on of the official “Doors of Thrones.” Return to Belfast after a fun day of exploring. (B,L)

Sun, Aug 8: Depart Belfast and cross the picturesque North Channel on a ferry journey from Belfast to Cairnryan. Relax onboard in comfortable seats with access to complimentary snacks and drinks while enjoying panoramic sea views and the chance to spot the Scottish coastline emerging on the horizon. The channel crossing is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage. From Cairnryan, board the motorcoach and head north, taking in some of Scotland’s most famous landscapes, such as Rannoch Moor and Glencoe as you enter the Scottish Highlands. Mountains begin rising directly from the water’s edge, forests line the road and soon you’ll find yourself in the charming city of Inverness where you’ll check in for a two-night stay. (B,D)

Mon, Aug 9: This afternoon, drive along the beautiful shores of Loch Ness as you watch for “Nessie,” the Loch Ness Monster. Cruise the loch and view the remains of Urquhart Castle on a voyage across these deep, mysterious waters. (B)

Tue, Aug 10: Check out of the hotel in Inverness and after a short drive, arrive to the first stop of the day—Blair Castle & Gardens, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Dating back to 1269, this structure has been transformed through the ages from a strong medieval fortress to a Victorian castle in the baronial style. These influences can still be seen today across the 30 rooms on full display. Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and how Queen Victoria’s famous stay led to the creation of Europe’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Continue to Edinburgh to check in for the last two nights of your tour. This evening, take your reserved seat for the unforgettable Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. This performance is far more than a military parade, it is a spectacular tradition of Scottish pipe and drums, traditional music, dance, and precision marching. (B,D)

Wed, Aug 11: This morning, discover Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress perched above the city, offering fascinating royal history, iconic landmarks, and spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral, founded in the 16th century, became the focal point of the Scottish Reformation and is regarded as the Mother Church of World Presbyterianism. This evening, enjoy a Farwell dinner including Scottish entertainment. (B,D) 

Thu, Aug 12: Depart for the airport and fly home. (B)